Why are parentheses used in this sentence? When working with additional information in a sentence, when should dashes be used instead of commas or parentheses?
A dash is used to set off a relatively important aside in a way that grabs the reader's attention
.
Why are parentheses used in this sentence?
Parentheses are used
to explain the statement or provide explanatory information in the
sentence.
When should parentheses be used instead of commas?
Commas and parentheses are often used together, but they serve separate purposes within a sentence. Thus, commas should be used with parentheses
only if the sentence would require a comma without the parentheses
. The example below illustrates this point: Peter cleaned his room before going out to play basketball.
Why are rather than dashes or commas used in this sentence?
Commas, rather than dashes or parentheses, are used in this sentence because
they are being used to set off a brief, closely-related aside
.
What is the purpose of using parenthetical commas in a sentence?
Rule to Remember
Parenthetical expressions
explain or clarify the sentence
. They need to be set off by commas. Parenthetical expressions also explain or clarify the sentence. Some of the more common expressions are of course, I believe, after all, by the way, in my opinion, for example, to tell the truth.
What is an example of a parenthesis?
Parenthesis is the use of a phrase, word or sentence that's added into writing as extra information or an afterthought. It's punctuated by brackets, commas or dashes. For example, ‘
his favourite team – whom he had followed since the age of five
– was Rockingham Rovers'.
How do you write an example in parentheses?
When
the “e.g.” passage falls
at the end of the sentence, you can either enclose it in parentheses or set it off with a comma before “e.g.” But as before, if “e.g.” introduces an independent clause, use a semicolon because it's likely you've formed another compound sentence.
Do commas go before quotes?
Put commas and periods within quotation marks
, except when a parenthetical reference follows. He said, “I may forget your name, but I never forget a face.”
Should I use a dash or a comma?
Use Dashes in Place
of a Comma
Em dashes can be used in pairs to replace commas when writing a parenthetical or interruptive phrase. The dashes have a slightly more emphatic feel, making the reader focus on this information that is set inside the special marks.
What is the difference between parentheses and dashes?
Dashes and parentheses indicate
an “aside”
to the point you are making in your sentence. Although sometimes considered interchangeable, each serves a specific purpose in your writing. Dashes interrupt your writing to insert an interjection or pause, while parentheses gently add information to your point.
What is the difference between brackets dashes and commas?
Your choice of dashes, parentheses or commas will be determined partly by the level of formality of your writing.
Commas are more formal than dashes or parentheses
. They are also less intrusive. … Dashes are less formal than commas or parentheses.
When listing Do you use a comma or semicolon?
Use a semicolon between items in a list or series
if any of the items contain commas
. There are basically two ways to write: with a pen or pencil, which is inexpensive and easily accessible; or by computer and printer, which is more expensive but quick and neat.
What are the 8 rules for commas?
- Use a comma to separate independent clauses.
- Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase.
- Use a comma between all items in a series.
- Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses.
- Use a comma to set off appositives.
- Use a comma to indicate direct address.
What is a parenthetical statement example?
A parenthetical statement is
one that explains or qualifies something
. You can call such a statement a parenthetical, (especially when it's in parentheses). Have you ever said something like “I'm hungry!” and then added “…but I only want French fries”?
Can I put a comma after and?
The word and is a conjunction, and when a conjunction joins two independent clauses, you should use a comma with it. The proper place for the comma is
before the conjunction
. … The sentence above contains two independent clauses, so it requires a comma before and.
